Toto Wolff all praise for George Russell amid contract delay: 'We couldn't wish for a better number-one driver'
George Russell's latest podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix means a lot for the Mercedes driver. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has showered him with praise, even calling him the 'number-one driver' they could wish for.
Wolff's comments come amid speculation about Russell not receiving a contract extension, despite a solid performance this season. His current contract will end by the end of F1 2025 season.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff praises George Russell
George Russell secured third place at the Hungarian Grand Prix — his sixth podium of the season. He is just 15 points behind third-place holder and 2024 F1 champion Max Verstappen. One or two stronger races than Verstappen could push Russell into the top three in the F1 Driver Standings.
Praising Russell extensively, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told Motorsport.com, 'When I look at George, the development he's made since he joined Formula 1 — from the fast kiddo at Williams, to being drafted into Mercedes, clearly with the greatest of all greats, Lewis Hamilton. You could already see last year he was becoming so strong on pure pace — and in terms of results, the stronger driver. Now, with Lewis having gone to Ferrari, he's taken the senior driver slot, and it happened completely naturally — and he delivers.
'
Highlighting Russell's consistency and team spirit, Wolff added, 'He delivers even when the car is not at the level. He outperforms the car — you can always count on George. And beyond driving, he's great with our partners and participates in many activities that help build both his brand and ours. So, we couldn't wish for a better number-one driver.'
What George Russell said about his contract extension at Mercedes
Naturally, Russell was asked about his Mercedes contract — a hot topic of discussion ever since Wolff's yacht was spotted near Max Verstappen's.
When questioned about the yet-to-be-finalized extension, Russell told the media in Hungary, as per Newsweek, "He [Toto Wolff] has got nothing to be worried about, I've got nothing to be worried about. Nothing is going to happen over the summer because I just want to rest, recharge, and come back stronger for the second half of the year.
But there's no time pressure either way."
"It will happen when it happens — it's a when, not an if. I'm 27 now, I've been with the team for four years, and next year would be my fifth. We want to build the relationship further, but it has to be right, and I don't want to rush it. I've already waited 12 months — I'm not going to rush it in the span of two weeks. We'll sit down when the time is right," he added.
Also Read:
George Russell's yacht getaway with girlfriend Carmen Mundt has fans swooning over his shirtless look
Russell is currently vacationing with his girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt on his new yacht. A fresh batch of stunning photos from the yacht, posted on Wednesday, had fans drooling over his shirtless pictures.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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